Is Alabama headed down Georgia's path?

ATLANTA - Just like Georgia, Alabama's schedule included games against two quality opponents toward the end of the season.

The Bulldogs didn't handle their situation well enough to win either game, and Alabama heads into its second such game Saturday under similar circumstances.

The eighth-ranked Crimson Tide reeled of nine consecutive victories and reached a No. 3 ranking before losing to LSU last week. Now, they face their Auburn problem. The Tigers just handed Georgia its second loss in a row last week, right on the heels of Florida ending the Bulldogs' perfect record in Game 8 of the season.

Ah, Alabama-Auburn. The Iron Bowl. The one game fans from each side lives with the rest of the year - either in joy or downright depression.

"You can't totally be where you want to be if you don't beat Auburn," Tide quarterback Brodie Croyle said. "You can't say that you had a great season unless you beat Auburn. You can go 10-1 and lose to Auburn and people will still wonder why we didn't have a good season."

"With a rivalry, anything that happened before that day goes out the window," Auburn linebacker Travis Williams said. "It's all about Auburn-Alabama."

Lately, it's been all about Auburn. The Tigers have won three in a row to cut the Tide's series lead to 38-30-1. The Tigers are seeking to win or share the SEC West for the fifth time in six years by beating the Tide in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the sixth time in eight games.

The Tigers are a 7-point favorite. They may not win by that many, but they will win. Auburn 20-14.

Elsewhere around the SEC this weekend, with No. 20 Florida having an open date:

Mississippi State (plus 14) vs. Arkansas at Little Rock: The Bulldogs have lost their last 16 road games against SEC West foes. That streak will continue. Arkansas 17-10.

Kentucky (plus 27) at No. 14 Georgia: This will be the third week in a row Georgia has had the opportunity of winning the SEC East Division title. The Bulldogs failed to take that step with losses to Florida and Auburn. The Cats don't have the manpower to saddle the Dogs with a third consecutive loss. Georgia 34-10.

No. 4 LSU (minus 17) at Mississippi: "All we've done is put ourselves in a position to achieve; we've won nothing," coach Les Miles said of last week's victory over Alabama and the two remaining stumbling blocks on the path to an SEC West crown - Ole Miss this week, Arkansas next. The Bengals pass the first test handily. LSU 28-10.

Clemson (minus 2) at No. 19 South Carolina: The last time these two teams faced off with each being bowl eligible, it ended with a brawl. Then, as self-imposed punishment, both schools opted not to go bowling. They're bowl eligible again. This time don't expect a brawl, just expect Steve Spurrier to wield his magic again, giving the Gamecocks their sixth victory in succession. South Carolina 21-17.

Vanderbilt (plus 12) at Tennessee: It's hard to figure out how Vanderbilt managed to lose at home to Kentucky. Tennessee has more at stake now, needing this victory and another against Kentucky next week to qualify for the postseason. Tennessee 24-21.

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Last week's totals: 1-5 straight, 2-3 vs. spread; for year: 56-17 straight, 31-33 vs. spread.